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VASQUE Kids' Breeze 2.0 UltraDry Hiking Boots

The right footwear affects comfort and enjoyment when kids are hiking or backpacking. The Vasque Breeze combines the support and traction of a boot with the comfort, breathability, and light feel of an athletic shoe.

My wife and I backpacked avidly for years. When our son was born, we switched to the baby backpack, then day hikes, then a little car camping... Now that he's 8, sturdy, and full of energy, we decided the time was right to get back into backpacking.

We had all of the gear we needed to go as a family, with the exception of purpose-built hiking boots for our son. The day before we left, we hemmed and hawed about whether he needed boots, mainly because we knew he'd outgrow them before next summer. We rationalized that he was light, and his pack was light, and the trip would be short (~7 miles), so that his old sneakers would probably be fine. After a few visits to the EMS web site while packing our stuff - and while hurricane Arthur was pouring buckets outside - we saw these on sale and decided to go check them out in case the trail might still be wet when we left for the trailhead in the morning :)

I'm SO glad we got these boots, because:

1. The trails were sopping wet with many standing muck puddles, and there were several nontrivial stream/river crossings

2. The trails were severely eroded and still washed out in many spots from hurricane Irene almost 3 years ago, which meant we were hiking over rocks for much of the way

3. Our son's pack was heavier than we expected it would be

In the end, these boots provided the water protection, grip, and support that was, in retrospect, unquestionably required on this trip. With a little moleskin on day 2 (which fell off within 2 hours), his feet survived perfectly intact after 2 days and a 1000+ foot climb with no break-in.

Compared to the two other options we considered:

a. Sneakers - No way, no how. We would have had to turn back after the first mile due to water and support, and maybe grip. I didn't think that support would be an issue with someone as light as a lean 8 year old with a 19 lb pack. But, after walking behind him and watching his feet pivot and twist on bowling ball sized rocks for two days, I'm a believer - even kids need real hiking boots when carrying a load over rough terrain.

b. Low-top waterproof hiking shoes - These would be good for day hikes, but don't offer the ankle support for carrying a pack, or water protection for deeper puddles / crossings, that a pair of boots does.

In summary, going into our hike, I thought we were splurging by buying these boots. By the end (really, after the first mile) I was feeling guilty and negligent for having considered not getting them. Puddle-by-puddle, rock-by-rock, river-by-river, we praised these boots out loud throughout the trip, and are looking forward to a fun summer of trying to wear them out. I recommend them unreservedly. Thanks Vasque and EMS!

I purchased these hiking boots for my 12 yr old Boy Scout who outgrew his old boots (big brand name from big box store). There is no comparison. These Vasque boots cost a little more than the boots from the big box sports store but the quality is so much better. My son liked them a lot on our hikes in the mountains this summer. They shed dirt very well once it dries. I will keep them breathable by treating the suede like leather from time to time to keep the water beading and not soaking. Decent youth boots are difficult to find. If your youth needs real hiking boots then these are for him.

I purchased these boots for my son who is in scouting. He wanted to make sure he had a pair ready for summer camp. He LOVES them! He's been wearing them everyday because they are so comfortable. The construction looks great and they seem to be of great quality! He asked if I would buy him another pair when he outgrows these--I definitely will!